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Extreme Makeover: Home Editon Launches FIRST Houston Build for the ERIC AND ELAINE JOHNSON FAMILY

No Author — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:10:00 CST

HOUSTON - On Saturday, July 24^th the Eric and Elaine Johnson family received a surprise announcement from Extreme Makeover: Home Editionhost Ty Pennington as they learned the hit show will build them a home � from the ground up � in just one week.

The show�s traditional �door knock� took a new twist. The announcement was made during a sold-out matinee show at the Improv Comedy Club. Following a juggling act Extreme Makeover: Home Edition�shostTy Pennington and fellow designers Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders and Paige Hemmis came on stage to greet the Johnson family seated in the front row.

Willowbrook to host stereo skyline, let teens �shop til you rock�

No Author — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:18:00 CST

Willowbrook Mall is taking center stage this summer as it hosts Shop Til You Rock, a music-inspired mall tour that empowers teens to look and feel like rock stars through live music performances, exclusive teen activities and special mall offers and giveaways.

On August 7 at 4 p.m., teen rock band Stereo Skyline, the high-energy pop/rock group that just debuted its first album Stuck On Repeat, will headline Willowbrook Mall�s Shop Til You Rock event and rock the crowd with a special live performance brought to you by Hot Topic. Fans also will get a chance to meet the band in person at the event stage following the show.

From 1- 6 p.m., the live, in-mall music performances will be complemented with cool activity stations designed exclusively for teens, including:

KVPAC Salutes Broadway with Musical Review

No Author — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:44:00 CST

Encore Players Presents Cabaret Style Production This Weekend Only

Katy, Texas (July 12, 2010) -Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) has Encore Players up on their toes and singing their hearts out once again! This time though it is in celebration of all things Broadway. Presented this weekend, July 16 & 17 at 8:00pm and on July 18 at 2:00pm, is Encore Players first musical review, Broadway, Then & Now ... An Evening of our Broadway Favorites.

The show promises a mix of some unforgettable stage moments from the Great White Way, as well as a bevy of songs from famous productions that have toured cities all over the country. "Travel, places and emotional journeys are all underlining themes that tie the shows eclectic song list together, making it a stunning collaboration of fine music," explains Lisa Connolly, KVPAC's Marketing Director.

Microbrewery Coming to Katy

No Author — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:42:00 CST

By the end of the year Katy will have its very own Microbrewery. Located at 5373 First Street in Old Katy, the brewery will use one of the Rice Elevators that run along Highway 90 to call home. The No Label Brewing Company is family owned and operated and have roots from Panama and Texas. Brian and Jennifer Royo and his parents Gilberto and Melanie Royo are the owners of No Label Brewing Company and plan to bring these two different yet proud cultures to their beers. They want to create exceptional handcrafted Ales and Lagers that are unique to Katy and to Texas.

The idea for the company came 2 years ago when Brian received a home brewing kit for his birthday from his family and friends. He made a batch of beer that his family loved and from there the inspiration of No Label Brewing Company started. With only two other microbreweries in Houston, the family wants to expand the market for home-grown craft beers.

KVPAC Auditions for Next Adult Musical

No Author — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:16:00 CST

Encore Players Prepares for WORKING, The Musical This Fall Season Katy, Texas

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) has their adult community theatre, Encore Players, preparing for their upcoming theatre production of WORKING, The Musical.Auditions for WORKING, The Musical will be held in 30-minute slots at KVPAC on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 20 and 21, 2010 starting at 6:30pm.We will see five actors per 1/2 hour slot. Be prepared to stay for your whole half hour slot.

Please prepare 16 bars of a ballad and an additional up tempo. You may sing acapella or bring a CD or Mp3 backup. No accompanist will be at the audition. You may only be asked to do one song. Please also prepare a 45 second monologue from a play that shows a character sharing something that moves them deeply. You will possibly be asked to cold read or sing with a group after a brief session with the musical director. Bring heasdhot/resume if you have one. Participants must be age 17 or older.

Houston area gasoline prices drop, remain well below the national average

No Author — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:50:00 CST

The average gas price in Texas fell four cents to $2.57 for a gallon of unleaded regular fuel and by three cents nationally to $2.72, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. Texas continues to be well below the national average � this week it�s fifteen cents less than the national average price.

The cheapest average for a gallon of gasoline is in Houston at $2.53, where prices dropped by four cents. Motorists in El Paso are paying the most at $2.69, which is down three cents from last week.

What�s driving the market?

� Oil prices are relatively stable, starting the week in the $72-per-barrel range and today trading at just above $75 a barrel. During the last 52 weeks, oil prices have gone from a low of $66.45 to a high of $91.38. Right now, oil is in the lower third of the trading range.

� To present an historical perspective, the Independence Day holiday is one of the signature price points of the summer driving season. This year, the national average retail price for a gallon of self-serve regular on July 4 was $2.74, 12 cents more than last year�s holiday price of $2.62, but significantly lower than the $4.10 average of 2008 and about 20 cents less than Fourth of July prices in 2007 ($2.95) and 2006 ($2.93).

Drivers Are Getting The Message About Texting

No Author — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:21:00 CST

(NAPSI)-A growing number of people are paying attention to the dangers of driving while distracted. According to a recent survey, U.S. drivers say they are talking and texting less while driving than they did a year ago, and they say it's because they are more aware of what can happen if they are driving while distracted (DWD).

The survey shows that 20 percent of drivers with cell phones say they text while driving and that number jumps to 47 percent for drivers under the age of 35. Of those who admit to texting behind the wheel, 40 percent say they do it less often than they did last year. The survey was sponsored by Nationwide Insurance.

According to the telephone survey of 1,005 U.S. adults conducted by Harris Interactive, 67 percent of drivers admit to talking on their cell phone while driving. Of those who do, 30 percent say they do it less often than they did last year.

While the problem of DWD remains one of the deadliest risks facing drivers, this survey shows that drivers are changing their behavior due to awareness and legislation.

Theater for Children Presents - Beauty And The Beast, A Children�s play by Laura Williams

No Author — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:06:00 CST

HOUSTON, TEXAS - Opening Saturday, July 3, 2010, the Company OnStage will present a delightful adaptation of the children�s classic Beauty and the Beast, by Laura Williams, with two shows every Saturday through July 31, 2010.

When a good witch and a bad witch make a bet, a handsome Prince is transformed into an ugly beast. Can Beauty see beyond his appearance to break the spell? Children will share in the enchantment of this wonderful story about love�s power to transform.

Beauty and the Beastwill be presented every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Juy 3rd through July 30^th, 2010.

Join your Cinco Ranch Friends and Neighbors at the Annual Independence Day Celebration!

No Author — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:04:00 CST

Patriotic costumes, decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and dressed up dogs will again be the focus of the annual parade in Cinco Ranch! Be at the Beach Club Park on South Lake Village Drive on Saturday, July 3rd for the parade and festivities. Parade line up and judging starts promptly at 9:45 a.m. so get those fantastic costumes ready! Prizes for the winners in each category and fun for everyone! Be sure to find your category sign where you want to compete so that the judges can include you! The judging signs are located along the sidewalk circling the playground so that the contestants have lots of space to congregate in the park�s grassy area by the signs.

Participants can be judged in one of many categories, competing for prizes and fun. Of the many prizes available, Dr. Hibler and Dr. Carrie McConnell of the Cinco Ranch Veterinary Hospital, are continuing to support of this Cinco Ranch event by again sponsoring the prize for the Best Dressed Dog, offering a set of annual vaccinations for the winning dog. The winner will be seeing Dr. Hibler at the Cinco Ranch location at 2519 Cinco Park Place. To learn more about the Cinco Ranch Veterinary Hospital,, visit
www.cincoranchvet.com .

Preliminary TAKS results show increasing passing rates

No Author — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:30:00 CST

AUSTIN � Preliminary results from the 2010 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) show that passing rates on the standard test rose at grades 3-5 and 7-11 and that an overwhelming majority of the Class of 2011 passed the exit-level state exams required for graduation.

�These test results provide proof that students and teachers worked hard this year and that the reforms we have implemented are working,� said Commissioner of Education Robert Scott. �The high scores also show that Texas students are ready for the more challenging assessment program, the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), which will begin in 2012.�

Results released today by the Texas Education Agency show that scores on the English-language version of TAKS declined slightly at sixth grade and on the eighth-grade reading test due to upward adjustments in the passing standards.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Makes History Fun for Families at a FREE July 4th Celebration

No Author — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:04:00 CST

Enjoy an Afternoon of Free Activities and Performances on Sunday, July 4

Celebrate Independence Day at Houston�s home for American decorative arts! Bayou Bend presents its fourth annual 4^th of July festival. Ring in the holiday with an extravaganza of Americana � performers, crafts, activities, refreshments � and don�t forget to sign the Declaration of Independence before you leave. With its unique blend of the arts and American history, Bayou Bend is the perfect place to celebrate American freedom in style.

When: Sunday, July 4^th; 1 pm � 5 pm

Where: Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, the historic American treasure house of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, at 1 Westcott Street off Memorial Drive.

Details: FREE ADMISSON

KVPAC Helps To Wake Sleeping Beauty KVPAC Hosts Disney Inspired Art Auction Workshop & Picnic with Princesses

No Author — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:52:00 CST

Katy, Texas (June 22, 2010) -Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is hosting a free Disney-inspired art workshop at KVPAC on June 26, 2010 entitled the Alamo Drafthouse Auction Art Workshop and Family Picnic Princess Meet & Greet with the New Visual Arts Director of KVPAC.

A workshop that promises to be as fun as the name is long! Disney-loving artists of all ages 5+ are needed to create art that may be selected for auctioning at the upcoming July 1st screening at the Alamo Cinema Drafthouse of Disney's Waking Sleeping Beauty.

The workshop is Saturday, June 26th from 9:00am to 12:00pm at KVPAC, located at 2501 S Mason Rd. # 290, Katy, TX 77450. All supplies and professional instruction is provided. Parents must accompany their child and those under 10 years old will work with their parent on an art piece.

Free Tote bags during "Watch Your Car" campaign

No Author — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:24:00 CST

HOUSTON - The Harris County Sheriff's Office Auto Theft Unit, in collaboration with the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority of Texas, is launching the "Watch Your Car" campaign in July by offering free tote bags to the public.

Citizens are encouraged to use the totes to prevent becoming a victim of vehicle burglary. Thieves are looking for valuables such as cell phones, GPS, briefcases, purses, cash and electronics such as laptops or game systems. Basically, if it is something they can sell, they will steal it.

Deputies encourage you to make sure that nothing of value is visible when leaving your vehicle - this is where the tote bag becomes useful. Put your valuables in the tote and hide it from view by placing it in your trunk or in another independently locked area.

Optimally, you should take the tote with you and secure it in a place that can be locked. The HCSO's Auto Theft Unit also encourages employers to provide lockers for employees as part of an effort to reduce criminal activity in company parking lots.

THE HOLLOW Mystery, by Agatha Christie

No Author — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:25:00 CST

HOUSTON, TEXAS - Opening on July 2, 2010, at Company OnStage, THE HOLLOW,an Agatha Christie mystery:

During a country weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, love and intrigue inevitably lead to the murder of one of their guests. Can Inspector Calquhoun and Sergeant Penny solve this crime of passion before you in this classic country house mystery by the incomparable Agatha Christie?

THE HOLLOWwill be presented Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. from JULY 2 through JULY 31, 2010. Regular ticket price is $15.00; seniors and students $13.00. Group rates are available and reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations and information, please call (713) 726-1219 or visit www.companyonstage.org.

Bridgeland Plans Self-Defense Classes

No Author — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:16:00 CST

Cypress, TX � Protection and fitness will be the focus of a series of self-defense classes slated in Bridgeland this summer. The classes are open to the public.

Classes are scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26; 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 7; 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 17; 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4; and 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. Classes will be held at the community�s Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing.

Key points of the class include how to fight more than one person and win, how to increase your chances of surviving a home invasion or carjacking, the most effective way to get a 250-pound person off of you in seconds and the additional weight loss and strength-building benefits of self defense.

Fire Up the Barbecue

No Author — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:01:00 CST

As the weather gets warmer, people spend more time outside and one of the most celebrated outdoor activities is the good old American barbecue. May is National Barbecue Month and a great time to think about all of the fun and tasty ways to grill foods safely.

If your barbecue pit has been undercover for the winter months, take time to make sure your grill is clean and ready for safe use before throwing on your favorite food. Clean your grill by scrubbing it with hot, soapy water before every use. When you�re ready to cook, allow the grill to heat up sufficiently to eliminate potential bacteria problems. Also, if you are using a gas grill, check the burner orifices to make sure they are clear of any deposits to ensure a safe ignition and even flame.

Your grill is clean, hot and ready to go. Now comes the most important question: what to cook?

Houston�s Largest DOG Wash to Benefit CAP

No Author — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:27:00 CST

Complimentary at Five Area Whole Foods Market Locations

HOUSTON (June 2010) . . . . . On Saturday, June 19, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) and Whole Foods Market will host Houston�s Largest Dog Wash. Beginning at 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM dog owners are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to any of the Whole Foods Market locations in Houston:

2955 Kirby at W. Alabama? 4004 Bellaire at Stella Link? 15900 Southwest Frwy at Hwy 6

? 11145 Westheimer Rd. at Wilcrest ? 6401 Woodway at Voss Rd.

CAP volunteers will provide complimentary shampoos for your pooch with hypoallergenic all-natural soap. Donations will be accepted from pet owners to benefit the homeless animals at the CAP shelter. In addition pet food, Clorox, paper towels and clay litter will also be graciously accepted.

KVPAC Lends An Artful Hand To A Worthy Cause

No Author — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:21:00 CST

KVPAC Hosts 'Bowl Me Over' Free Ceramic Workshop To Feed The Hungry Katy,

Texas (June 16, 2010) -Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is hosting the KVPAC Bowl Me Over ~ Free Ceramic Workshop on June 24, 2010 at Ceramics By Tess in Katy. Volunteers are needed to paint ceramic bowls for use at a KVPAC community event in November, KVPAC's Kids Feeding Kids ~ Empty Bowls, a soup kitchen style dinner where 100% of proceeds feed hungry children. Families with children are welcome at the workshop this month. No art talent or experience is needed, just a willingness to help. All supplies and professional instruction is provided.Parents must accompany their child and those under 10 years old will work with their parent on a bowl. This workshop is graciously sponsored by CincoLife and Ceramics by Tess.

The workshop is June 24th at Ceramics By Tess, located next to Times Square Entertainment, at 402 W Grand Pkwy S # 115, Katy, TX 77494. Participants choose their workshop time slot ~6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm or 7:30pm. Seating is limited.

Visit Bayou Bend for a free house and garden tour on Father�s Day

No Author — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:18:00 CST

Looking to entertain Dad and give him a special day? Bring your dads, grandfathers, or the special man in your life to Bayou Bend for a free house and garden tour on Father�s Day, everyone else in the party gets admitted for just $5 (half-off the regular price) and kids 17 and under are free.While you�re there enjoy light refreshments, self-guided tours of the historic gardens and receive a token gift. Bayou Bend�s doors will open at 1pm with the last admission to the house at 4pm before the doors close at 5 pm.

Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Regional Transportation Framework Study

No Author — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:02:00 CST

The public is invited to attend a project open house meeting and planning workshop to help identify the region�s public transportation needs with H-GAC and consultant staff. Community input will be sought on potential corridors for future transit services and the general public transportation needs of the community. The meetings will include informative exhibits, a presentation by the study team, and a group activity focused on identifying where future public transportation services are needed. There will be an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., a 15 � 20 minute presentation beginning at 5:45 p.m., and the group activity will continue until the meeting concludes at 7:30 p.m.

The meetings will be held at the following locations from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

Tuesday

June 22, 2010

Lake Jackson Civic Center

333 Hwy, 331 E

Lake Jackson, TX 77556

Thursday

June 24, 2010

First United Methodist Church

Fellowship Hall

5601 Fifth Street

Katy, TX 77493